Q

[0_0_7]

He hadn't been nervous until he'd found himself in a gown with pen marks on his skin. Laid back on a gurney in medical, a strap across his chest to secure him, that was when he looked to Q.

"Let's get you relaxed, 007," R said, giving him a pat and pushing some drugs into the line into his arm.

Bond opened his eyes to the featureless January sky out the window- stories above, shown for his viewing pleasure on a screen with some curtains hung on it. He took a deep breath and then smacked his sticky tongue against the roof of his mouth. Clearing his throat, he looked around and it all came back to him. Nothing after R's pat, of course, but the reason he was here.

"Q?" he rasped, knowing he'd be close.

Comments

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I'm here," Q said, voice calm and steady as he made his way over. "How are you feeling?" he asked, checking his vitals.

[0_0_7]

"Dry," he complained. "Can I have some water?"

He used his arms to pull himself to sitting, expecting much more pain than he felt.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Of course," Q said gently, wandering off to fetch a glass and bring it over.

"Small sips to start," he warned as he handed it over and tried not to fuss.

[0_0_7]

"Did something go wrong?" he asked after a few sips. "I expected more pain."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I believe it went perfectly," Q assured him. "You shouldn't feel any pain- In fact, you should be able to stand, once you feel ready."

[0_0_7]

He sat up a bit more and tossed the blanket aside, only to be greeted with the sight of perfection.

He smiled like a boy on christmas morning.

"You are remarkable, Q. Truly," he said.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I didn't do it alone, but I'm glad you're pleased," Q smiled, reaching over and gently squeezing and prodding the new leg, checking for swelling or other issues. "Do you think you'd like to try standing?"

[0_0_7]

Bond nodded and slowly swung his legs out of bed. He'd expected numbness, or nothing. Instead, it felt...normal.

He marveled as he put his feet on the floor..

"Incredible," he said softly.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q held his arm out, just in case.

"You feel steady? No pain?" he asked. He was confident in his work, but not so cocky he wouldn't make sure things had gone well.

[0_0_7]

"It feels..." he started, then ran his hand along his thigh.

"Sensitive," he noted.

Bond stood with confidence and the leg may as well have been his own.

"Incredible," he smiled.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Might take a few days for that to settle down," Q admitted. "It seems to have been a success though. Let me get you another drink," he offered, gesturing for James to sit back down.

"It should be fine for immediate use, though I suggest you don't attempt anything too mad. No jumping off roofs, for example."

[0_0_7]

Bond sat and waited, but when Q was close enough, he flashed a cheeky smile.

"Where are the explosives hidden? Extra wand?" he asked. "...Radio?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"It's a leg, Bond, not a car boot," Q tutted, looking amused. "And unlike the car, you're much harder to replace if you don't come back in one piece."

[0_0_7]

"You're telling me you didn't make it slightly more incredible than an ordinary leg?" he asked skeptically. "Q...really?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I wasn't building a weapon, James. I was trying to take care of someone I love," Q said seriously. "It's a leg, it'll function like a leg. Like your leg."

[0_0_7]

Bond pouted for just a moment, then stood and stepped, pivoted and took hold of Q's shoulders.

"Then it's perfect," he smiled.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q smiled a little, looking relieved.

"You still need to be gentle with it, okay?" he said, looking James over and smiling at the sight of him looking so well again.

[0_0_7]

"Of course, Q," he promised in that way that assured the younger wizard he would certainly break his word.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q raised a brow, but let it be for the time being.

"When you're ready I can escort you home," he offered.

[0_0_7]

"Is there something decent to wear?" Bond asked, twisting to show his bare ass and the open gown.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q couldn't help but smile, then laughed softly. "I brought you something," he assured him. "I was going to bring something comfortable, but..."

He went to fetch the suit he'd brought, holding it up in show.

"I thought you might prefer something smart."

[0_0_7]

"You know me well. Give me a minute," he smiled.

He pulled on each piece slowly, buttoning the shirt from the bottom up. Trousers, belt, tie and finally jacket.

He looked like himself again- the light in his eyes having returned, too.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q couldn't help but watch, admiring him as he dressed. He'd missed seeing James like this.

"You look good, double-o seven," he said softly. "Now let's get you home."

[0_0_7]

Bond nodded and fell into step. He tried to contain his smile, but the lack of pain, the absolute thoughtlessness it took to walk...it was delightful.

"Certainly you weren't worried," he said in the lift, once they were alone. "I had every confidence in you."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Bit hard to be cocky when the wellbeing of someone I love is in my hands," Q said honestly, glancing over. "It could have gone wrong, and I don't know I'd have been able to forgive myself."